Monday, June 22, 2009

Musings on creativity


Creativity is an amazing thing. I've been thinking about it a lot lately. I've never felt like a particularly creative person. I mean, sure, I write, but that has never felt the same as painting, or creating a sculpture, or the way my kids can seem to make something unique out of any scrap they find. Then I decided to join a group doing The Artist Way. Well, not really join, since I didn't make even one meeting, but I did the program on my own. It's a 12-week program for recovering creativity. I was several weeks into it before it really clicked that I am creative-- yes, I write and I play music, but even more, launching and maintaining Small Planet Trading is a daily act of creation and creativity.

Still I don't often feel very creative, so I surround myself with the creativity of others. This week I've been marveling at all of the amazing local artists that are willing to take this journey with us.

The following artists live in the Columbia Gorge and are currently offering their creativity to you in the shop-- We are very grateful to each of them. DeLona

Cynthia Caudill (Hood River) -- diaper covers, bags, wallets
Marilyn Fisk(The Dalles) -- soaps, candles
Lana Jack (Celilo) -- jewelry
Fred Whitford (Celilo) -- dream catchers, jewelry, stones
Earl Paul(Hood River)-- butterflies and hummingbirds
Jan Copeland(The Dalles)- art, cards and bookmarks
Kim Stolte (Hood River) -- Swaddlekeepers
Camilla Bishop (Hood River) - 3 Flowers Healing
Victor Johnson (The Dalles) - kid's music
Graham Bergh (Mosier) -- cool products from old bikes
Norman Vance(Hood River)-- walking sticks
Mary Lou Lee(North Bonneville)-- cards
Lisa Selfridge (HR - sometimes) -- photography
Chris Emerson(Hood River)-- jewelry
Moi Wong(Parkdale)-- jewelry
Karen Murphy-Mendez (Hood River) -- salves and balms
Diane Cumins(Mosier)-- wood and gourd art
Craig and Tamiko Graffius(Hood River)-- Ecoglass Straws
Erika Doring (Hood River)-- jewelry
Catherine Bordner(Hood River)-- gourds and baskets
Rita Kruse White(Underwood)--"Anik the Unique Alpaca" book
Susan Svensson(Hood River)-- She Who Watches bags
Grandpa Dennis (The Dalles) -- wood toys and drop spindles
Jennifer Cassella(Odell)-- gift bags
Sue Wanner(White Salmon)-- flax packs and bags
Wendy Gray(Mt. Hood)-- Sustainably grown Flowers
Mary Caldwell(The Dalles)-- glass art
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Friday, June 12, 2009

Business on the Edge


In permaculture it's recognized that life on the edge of an ecosystem supports an increased level of biodiversity. In the space where the meadow and the forest meet the unique ecosystems of both intermingle. You find meadow plants and critters, forest plants and critters and a third group of 'meadow meets forest' plants and critters all mixing it up. Native plants and "weeds" generally have a better chance of survival on the edges of yards, gardens, orchards, parks, playgrounds and schoolyards creating habitat spots for all kinds of insects and wildlife and as all kids know the most interesting spots for exploring.

The same phenomena happens on the edges of communities and neighborhoods where new residents bump up against old timers. Generally newcomers of different cultures and languages join the fringes, geographically and metaphorically before they join the mainstream at the center.

The same holds true in commercial and business sectors. Businesses found on main street nearly always cater most obviously to the mainstream and status quo. That's not to say you can't find main street business doing it right and going green - there happen to be a handful of independent businesses taking steps to go the sustainable route on the main drag in my home town. But chances are you are more likely to find the funky, pushing the envelope type business and a higher diversity of unique businesses one or two blocks of the the main drag.


Not coincidentally that happens to be where we find ourselves, a fair trade import shop a block down the road from where most of the downtown action happens. And though we absolutely aspire to be on main street some day, geographically and metaphorically, we do appreciate our lower rent and funkier neighbors. Both of which inspire us to do business our way - cooperatively and sustainably connecting the local with the global.


Karen
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